After losing heavily to India in their first match, Pakistan bounced back with a big win over Nepal, chasing down a modest target of 109 with a 9 wicket victory. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza scored a century partnership, leading their team to victory with 8.1 overs to spare.

Pakistan’s bowling. They took early wickets and kept tight control in the middle overs, making it tough for Nepal’s less experienced batsmen.

Nepal Performance

Powerplay: Early trouble for Nepal

Nepal, batting first struggled right from the start. Fatima Sana dismissed Samjhana Khadka in the opening over, and Sadia Iqbal’s double strike in the fifth over left Nepal at 3 wickets down early on.

Middle overs: Struggles continue for Nepal

Nepal found it hard to score runs. The situation worsened with runouts of Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar, leaving them at 65/5. Pakistan’s spinners kept tight control over the runs.

Death overs: Small recovery

With the fifth wicket down, it seemed Nepal might not reach 100 runs. However, Puja Mahato (25 off 32) and Kabita Joshi (31* off 23) put together a 34-run partnership, bringing Nepal to 108/6. Mahato was run out in the final over, but Nepal managed a respectable total. Sadia Iqbal ended with two wickets.

Pakistan’s Impactful start

Powerplay: Strong start with bat

Pakistan made great use of the fielding restrictions, scoring nearly half of their target runs in the PowerPlay. Gull Feroza began aggressively with a boundary on the first ball, and Muneeba Ali added three boundaries, setting up a strong position for Pakistan.

Middle overs: Easy victory for Pakistan

Feroza and Muneeba continued to score freely against Nepal’s inexperienced bowlers. They chased down the target in just 5.5 more overs. Feroza reached her fifty off 29 balls but was out with four runs needed for victory. Muneeba remained unbeaten, just short of her fifty, but guided Pakistan to a decisive win.

Player of the Match (Gull Feroza):

“It is a memorable day for me and I am very happy that I could help my team win. I wanted to play my natural game. This game has become so aggressive and that is my natural game. The cover drive was my favourite. Want to dedicate this award to my family.”

Nepal played eight games in the Women’s Asia Cup in 2012 and 2016 but didn’t win any. They didn’t qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions. They almost missed the 2024 tournament too, but a last-minute rule change in March 2024 allowed them to participate. Now, they’ve won their first-ever game in the competition.

Opening batter Samjhana Khadka delivered a stellar performance with an unbeaten 45-ball 72, leading Nepal to a solid six-wicket win over the UAE in the first match of the Asia Cup 2024 on Friday (July 19) in Dambulla.

Choosing to bowl first, Nepal’s bowlers and fielders were sharp, limiting UAE to a below-par score of 115 on a good batting pitch. Khadka’s standout innings was crucial as Nepal chased down the target with 23 balls to spare, marking their first-ever win in the Asia Cup.

The difference in approach

UAE’s batting fell short due to a lack of solid partnerships. Khushi Sharma (36 off 39) and Kavisha Egodage (22 off 26) fought hard, but their innings lacked momentum. In contrast, Nepal showed clear intent and applied consistent pressure. Their bowling and fielding were solid, with only a few minor lapses.

UAE’s struggles early on

In the initial six overs, UAE scored quickly but lost three wickets. Skipper Indu Barma (3-19) took the crucial wicket of Theertha Satish, and UAE captain Esha Rohit Oza was run out. Despite some boundaries, the loss of wickets put Nepal in a strong position.

Middle overs: UAE’s batting woes

After the fielding restrictions ended, UAE struggled to maintain the run rate. They found it hard to rotate the strike and hit boundaries frequently. Nepal’s bowlers kept things tight, slowing down the scoring.

Ending on a low note

UAE hoped for a total above 120 but finished poorly. With only one boundary in the final five overs, Nepal’s bowlers remained disciplined, and UAE’s batters couldn’t accelerate. UAE ended with a total well below 120.

Nepal’s confident chase

Nepal’s chase began with Samjhana hitting two boundaries in the first over. They scored just a run more than UAE in the first six overs but managed to keep their wickets intact, putting pressure on UAE to defend a low score. Samjhana’s aggressive play set the tone for the chase.

Middle Overs: samjhana steady

Despite UAE taking a few wickets in the middle overs, they couldn’t build on their success. Samjhana continued to play aggressively, keeping the scoreboard moving and making it hard for UAE to gain momentum.

Quick finish

With just 16 runs needed from the last 30 balls, Samjhana finished the game with a flourish. Nepal completed the chase in just seven more deliveries, boosting their net run rate and morale with a swift victory.

As the world of cricket is evolving globally, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken measures to enhance the sport’s reach. Be it through quirky promotional strategies or tournament formats, they have done it all to achieve it.

The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the West Indies and USA, acts as the byproduct of it. With over 20 teams and five groups, it will be exciting and intense to watch how the tournament goes on, especially from the nine associate teams, who are up to display their promising game. Here’s a list of the 2024 T20 World Cup associate members’ team captains.

1. United States of America: Monank Patel

Born in Gujarat, India, Monank Patel has been one of the robust batters of the USA cricketing arsenal. In his 25-match T20I stint, he has scored 441 runs at an average of 22.1. He started his initial cricketing days for the Gujarat Cricket team, where he has represented as a batter in the Under-16 & Under-19 squads.

His captaincy has flummoxed the Bangladesh side, leading to a series win against them recently. This impressive track record makes him an interesting key player to watch out for in the tournament, sparking excitement among cricket enthusiasts.

2. Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus 

Gerhard Erasmus will represent Namibia as a captain in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Kickstarting his career for the country way back in 2011, Erasmus has played a pivotal role in being the all-rounder face for the team.

In his 57 T20I matches, he has scored 1339 runs at an average of 32.66, while he has scalped 43 wickets at an economy of 5.1. In addition, he has won the 2022 ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year, which sets him to lead from the front for his side in the coming clashes.

3. Canada: Saad Bin Zafar

Canada would debut in the T20 World Cup tournament format, with Saad Bin Zafar leading the team. He has been one of the most reliable pacers in the team’s bowling attack. He comes in during the middle overs and delivers some economical overs, putting pressure on the hitters and taking up wickets.

Zafar can also score runs from later down the order, so having him on the team may ensure you score in both innings. In his 38-match T20I stint, he has scalped 43 wickets at a commendable pacer’s economy of 6.44.

4. Oman: Aqib Ilyas

Oman’s captain, Aqib Ilyas, hails from Sialkot, Pakistan, where he got his craze taste towards the sport of cricket. Predominant for his all-rounding abilities, the captain will use his bat and ball skills to keep the team together.

The 31-year-old was named the Player of the Series in the Asia Qualifiers and is one of the squad’s most seasoned members, and he will rely on that expertise in the tournament. Sulehri’s efficacy as an all-rounder makes him a must-have for the Oman team. In 48 T20Is, he has made 1176 runs at an average of 28.68 and 37 wickets at an economy of 5.93.

5. Uganda: Brian Masaba

Brian Masaba will be leading the Ugandan side in the upcoming tournament. Calling it a ‘Dream come True’ moment for his team, it wouldn’t be a surprise for an associate member like Uganda to give its best on the cricket field amongst its top-notch competitors.

The 32-year-old cricketer has played 57 T20I matches, scoring 433 runs at an average of 19, and scalped 18 wickets at an economy of 5.26.

Also Read: Know everything about India’s 2024 T20 World Cup warm-up match

6. Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala

Assadollah Vala is Papua New Guinea’s T20 World Cup 2024 captain. He is one of the team’s most experienced players, able to contribute with both the bat and the ball.

Vala was PNG’s second-highest run-scorer in the East Asia Pacific Qualifiers held last year. The left-hander enjoys batting long and can put up huge numbers. Furthermore, he is a skilled off-spinner. Throughout his 59-match stint, he scored 1244 runs and took 34 key wickets.

7. Netherlands: Scott Edwards

The Dutch cricket side would be under the captaincy of wicketkeeper batter Scott Edwards. Edwards’ batting is defined by elegance rather than power, as he frustrates fields with aggressive running and various sweeps and reverses.

His leadership has led the Netherlands to unprecedented success, including a top-eight performance at the 2022 T20 World Cup and direct qualifying for the following edition. In 60 T20I appearances, he has scored 737 runs with a strike rate of 120 and an average of 20.

8. Nepal: Rohit Paudel

Rohit Paudel is a 21-year-old young and emerging player who is all set to lead an experienced campaign of the Nepal cricket team in its second T20 World Cup appearance. Paudel, a youthful and skilled batter, is one of Nepal’s most consistent hitters.

Paudel, a youthful and skilled batter, is one of Nepal’s most consistent hitters. The 21-year-old will most likely bat at No. 3 and bear much responsibility for the Nepal team’s success. In his 59 appearances, he has 1442 runs at an average of 33.53 with a strike rate of 133.

9. Scotland: Richie Berrington

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Richie Berrington is synonymous with being an experienced candidate and leader for the Scotland Cricket team. The 37-year-old all-rounder is prominent for his ball-striking ability. Also, his ability to give the ball a bit of seam and medium pace is another speciality of cricketing skills.

It is no surprise that the associate member of Scotland would utilise the experience quotient of their captain. In his colossal 112 T20I matches campaign, he has made 2628 runs at an average of 30.91 and scalped 36 wickets at an economy of 7.68.

In a significant blow to the Nepal cricket team, star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has been denied a US visa for the second time, just days before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Background on Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane has been a beacon of hope and pride for Nepal cricket. Rising to prominence with his exceptional spin bowling, Lamichhane has played in various international leagues, making a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in cricket. Recently, he was cleared of rape charges, allowing him to focus on cricket once again.

See Also: Gautam Gambhir says ‘country doesn’t need to know’ his bond with Virat Kohli

Visa Denial Incident

Lamichhane had a visa interview scheduled for 4 pm on Thursday, May 30. Despite the efforts of Nepal’s Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and coordination with the US embassy by the Foreign Minister, Lamichhane’s visa application was rejected. This rejection means he will miss the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 2 to 29.

Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign

Rohit Paudel will lead a young Nepal side at the marquee event. The team has been preparing diligently, with key players rewarded for their performances in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman. It matches against a West Indies A side in Kirtipur. Their first match is against the Netherlands on June 4 in Texas.

Protest In Nepal

The visa denial has sparked outrage among Nepal cricket fans. Thousands took to the streets of Kathmandu to protest against the US decision, highlighting the deep emotional and cultural connection between the fans and their cricket team. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for Lamichhane and disappointment over the visa rejection.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) spearheads a T20 league titled the ‘Friendship Cup’ to bolster Nepal Cricket. Set to kick off on March 31, the league’s inaugural match features Nepal squaring off against Gujarat’s Ranji team.

Nepal Cricket recently announced the T20 series fixtures, confirming Nepal’s showdown with Gujarat on March 31 and earmarking April 7 for the grand final. The entirety of the tournament will unfold in Vapi, India.

BCCI’s initiative is poised to greatly benefit cricketers gearing up for the impending T20 World Cup slated for June 2024 in the USA and West Indies. Nepal, having secured qualification for the prestigious tournament, is set to commence their campaign against the Netherlands in Dallas, USA.

SEE ALSO:Saurabh Tiwary and Varun Aaron Retire from First-Class Cricket, Leaving Behind Remarkable Legacies

BCCI Extends Support to Cricket Nepal

In the upcoming World Cup, 20 teams will vie for the title, distributed across four groups, each comprising five teams. Every team is scheduled to play four group-stage matches against their fellow group members. Nepal finds themselves placed in Group D alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America, is set to commence on June 2.

Baroda, led by Krunal Pandya, clinched the runner-up position in the 2023 edition. Conversely, Gujarat boasts notable players like Piyush Chawla, Ripal Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi.

Sandeep Lamichhane, the captain of Nepal’s cricket team, on Friday denied claims that he had sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl and said he would return home to defend himself. The 22-year-old, who participates in the Caribbean Premier League, has a warrant for his arrest from a Nepali court, and he has been demoted from his position of authority. This week, the adolescent girl and her parent filed a complaint against the footballer, claiming that he had sexually assaulted her in a hotel room in Kathmandu the month before after they had met and gone out.

“I am innocent and keep complete faith in the respectable laws of Nepal. I have decided to take a leave from CPL and go back to my country within a few days. I am ready to face all these baseless allegations. May justice be served to the innocent and right investigations to be done towards everyone involved. Hope the law acts equal to everyone,(SIC)”

Lamichhane tweeted

Lamichhane is presently competing with the Jamaica Tallawahs in the West Indies-based Caribbean Premier League. Lamichhane is the face of Nepal’s burgeoning one-day international cricket league, which was granted recognition in 2018 but is still a long way from competing in a World Cup.

His break came in 2018 when the Delhi Capitals signed him for the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Since then, he has become the most in-demand Nepali cricketer in international T20 tournaments.

A 17-year-old girl filed a complaint on Tuesday at the Gaushala Metropolitan Police Circle, accusing the 25-year-old spinner of repeatedly raping her. The Police launched an investigation into the complaint a day after receiving it, gathering CCTV footage and other pertinent pieces of evidence in accordance with the victim’s account.

Following the court’s issuance of the arrest order, the Nepal Police is getting ready to use the Nepal Cricket Association to return Lamicchane, who is currently playing for the West Indies in the Caribbean League.

According to Bharat Bahadur Bohora, the head of the district police force in Kathmandu, the police circle in the city’s Gaushala filed the complaint on Wednesday.

“The police are sensitive to such serious incidents. We have made the supposed survivor undergo a health checkup and launched an investigation,”

said Rabindra Prasad Dhanuk, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office chief

The young woman claimed to be a fan of the cricketer and to have communicated with him on WhatsApp and Snapchat. She claims that Lamichhane made the initial meeting proposal.

According to a media source here that mentioned the CAN authorities, Lamichhane claimed his innocence and refuted the accusations during a phone call with the CAN representatives.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Punching Above Their Weight Yet Again in Asia Cup 2022

Police registered 2,300 rape incidents in Nepal during the most recent fiscal year, but human rights advocates contend that many more assaults go unreported. The accused have experienced little to no consequences as a result of the allegations, and just a small number of women in Nepal have spoken out during the #MeToo movement.

After an aspiring model posted a series of TikTok videos documenting abuse she experienced as a teenager, hundreds of people rallied in Kathmandu in support of stricter rules and enforcement in cases of sexual violence in May.